Connecting an HP printer to a wireless network can sometimes feel confusing, especially when the printer asks for a WPS PIN number. Many users see this prompt during Wi-Fi setup and are unsure where to locate the PIN or what it actually means. If you are trying to connect your HP printer wirelessly and are stuck at the WPS PIN screen, you are not alone.

What Is a WPS PIN on an HP Printer?

WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It is a feature designed to make connecting devices to a wireless network easier and more secure. Instead of entering a long Wi-Fi password, WPS allows devices to connect using either:

A Push Button method
A PIN method

The WPS PIN is a temporary, unique numeric code generated by your HP printer. This code is entered into your router or computer during the Wi-Fi setup process to allow secure communication between the printer and the network.

When Do You Need the WPS PIN?

You may be asked for the WPS PIN in situations such as:

Setting up an HP printer on Wi-Fi for the first time
Reconnecting the printer after changing your router
Resetting network settings on the printer
Adding the printer to a new computer or network
Using Windows wireless setup that prompts for a PIN

When this happens, your printer will display or generate a PIN that must be entered within a limited time.

Where Can I Find the WPS PIN Number on an HP Printer?

The location of the WPS PIN HP printer model. Below are the most common ways to find it.

1. On the HP Printer Display Screen

If your HP printer has a touchscreen or LCD display, this is the most common place to find the WPS PIN.

Steps:

Turn on your HP printer
Go to the Wireless or Network menu on the printer screen
Select Wi-Fi Setup, Wireless Setup, or WPS Setup
Choose WPS PIN or PIN Method

Once selected, the printer will generate and display a PIN number on the screen.

Important Notes:

The PIN is usually 8 digits long
It is temporary and expires after a few minutes
You must enter it promptly on your router or computer

2. Through HP Printer Software on Your Computer

If your printer does not have a touchscreen or the display is limited, the WPS PIN can often be found using HP’s printer software installed on your computer.

Steps:

Open the HP printer software on your computer
Go to Printer Settings or Network Settings
Choose Wireless Setup or Wi-Fi Setup
Select WPS PIN method

The software will either:

Display the PIN on your screen, or
Trigger the printer to show the PIN on its control panel

This method is commonly used on Windows systems during wireless printer installation.

3. From the HP Smart App

The HP Smart app is another reliable way to find or generate the WPS PIN.

Steps:

Install and open the HP Smart app
Select your printer
Go to Advanced Settings or Network Setup
Choose Wireless Setup
Select WPS PIN

The app will guide you through the steps and display the PIN if your printer supports this method.

4. Printed Network Configuration or Information Page

Some HP printers allow you to print a network configuration page that may include wireless details.

Steps:

Press and hold the Wireless and Information buttons together (on button-based printers)
Or navigate to Reports or Information on the printer menu
Print the Network Configuration Page

In some models, the WPS PIN may be listed or instructions provided on this page.

5. On the Router Setup Screen (Indirect Method)

In some cases, the WPS PIN is generated by the printer but entered into your router’s setup page.

Steps:

Log in to your router’s admin page from a browser
Go to Wireless Settings or WPS Settings
Select Add Device using PIN
Enter the PIN shown on your HP printer screen

This completes the connection between the printer and the router.

Printers That May Not Support WPS PIN

Not all HP printers support WPS PIN setup. Entry-level or older models may only support:

USB setup
Wi-Fi password entry
Push button WPS (without PIN)

If your printer does not show a WPS PIN option, you can still connect it using standard wireless setup methods.

Common Problems While Using WPS PIN

The PIN expires before being entered
The router does not support WPS PIN
The printer and router are too far apart
The wrong PIN is entered
Network settings were not reset before setup

Tips for Successful WPS PIN Setup

Stay close to your router during setup
Enter the PIN immediately after it appears
Make sure WPS is enabled on your router
Restart the printer if the PIN expires
Avoid using VPNs during setup
Reset network settings if setup fails repeatedly

FAQs

Is the WPS PIN the same as my Wi-Fi password?

No. The WPS PIN is a temporary code generated by the printer. It is not your Wi-Fi password.

How long is the WPS PIN valid?

Most HP printers generate a PIN that expires within 2 to 10 minutes.

What should I do if the PIN expires?

Simply restart the WPS PIN setup process to generate a new code.

Can I reuse the same WPS PIN?

No. Each PIN is temporary and must be regenerated for each setup attempt.

Why doesn’t my HP printer show a WPS PIN?

Your printer model may not support WPS PIN. Use an alternative wireless setup method.

Is WPS PIN safe?

Yes. It is designed for secure, short-term connections during setup.

Conclusion

Finding the WPS PIN HP printer is easier once you know where to look. Depending on your printer model, the PIN can appear on the display screen, in HP printer software, through the HP Smart app, or during wireless setup prompts. Remember that the WPS PIN is temporary, so it must be entered quickly to complete the connection.